Review of the code of practice for the sustainable use of soils on construction

Concepts

• sustainable use of soils
• environmental services
• healthy soil
• poor soil management
• soil degradation
• review of the code of practice
• soil health
• ability of soil
• inappropriate land use
• poor urban soil health

Location

Description

Healthy soil underpins a range of environmental, economic and societal benefits, including biodiversity, carbon storage and flood mitigation. However, soil degradation, caused by poor soil management or inappropriate land use, can reduce the ability of soil to perform these vital functions. Soil degradation in England and Wales costs between £0.9bn and £1.4bn a year, 39% of which is due to compaction and 12% erosion1. Soil health in the urban environment can be significantly impacted by activities associated with construction. For example, soil loss or sealing (e.g. by tarmac, concrete, stone), compaction and contamination which can all prevent soil and its inherent ecosystems from functioning. There are linkages between the resultant poor functioning of green infrastructure and public health. Poor urban soil health can be addressed through better use and management of existing soil and soil affected by new developments

CPV Codes

• 90700000 - Environmental services

Indicators

• Contract is suitable for SMEs.

Other Information

Link to eSourcing Portal https://defra.bravosolution.co.uk